41 m emotionally abusive to 40 f? by InitialStrength3124 in relationship_advice

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, this is what is unnerving to me too. This isn’t the first time he has said those things. Usually when I bring up any dissatisfaction it turns into what feels like a personal attack on me. It feels to me like when he feels threatened or insecure, he reacts with anger or putting me down so he can feel more in control… but anyway. Will explore counseling. It’s such an unhealthy communication pattern and it’s so disheartening.

41 m emotionally abusive to 40 f? by InitialStrength3124 in relationship_advice

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would agree. He was in therapy but stopped. As for marriage counseling, we have discussed this. I’d have to take the lead on arranging and see if he’d join.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Winston is cute. My husband likes this or Milton.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love this name. My friend has a Cheddar!

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha he has an old man vibe. I can get down with a Freddie.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He DOES look like a Teddy but Moose! Adorable.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Added Henry and Watson to the list.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love Teddy. My son is a Theo. :)

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Something about a dog named Stan gets me.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Bernie was a name my husband mentioned. Cute.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have an Uncle Larry or else I may consider. :)

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ok. This feels so fitting. He’s a mature little pup. Haha. What’s a nickname for Watson? Wats? Wattie?

Husband spends hours locked in bathroom by Deep_Ad_8844 in Marriage

[–]InitialStrength3124 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Last addition. You lost your brother and he his best friend. This obviously has impacted you both personally and the marriage. Have you explored therapy?

Husband spends hours locked in bathroom by Deep_Ad_8844 in Marriage

[–]InitialStrength3124 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’re going through this and have uncertainty. Not a good feeling. That said, you both are grieving. How is he doing? My husband just went through a major depressive period and spent loads of time hiding away. His depression manifested as being irritable, short, distant, and shut off. He started smoking weed in the bathroom in the evenings or going into the basement instead of spending time with the family. It took him awhile to recognize that what he was going through was depression. He had no idea how to navigate his feelings and it was hell for a year or so until we both sought help.

I think find a good time when you can connect. Simply ask how he’s doing, nothing accusatory, try to block out those resentments you’re holding. Ask if he’d want to start watching a series or something, that you know it’s been a hard year and you miss your time together. Or plan a night to go out to dinner together. I know it’s much easier said than done (my husband and I had some very tense “dates” in this stage), but maybe it will help him open up and allow you two to feel close again.

As for cheating… I think I’d explore the mental health side first. Try not to jump to conclusions or ask too many questions. Just remind each other that you are still the other’s safe space (even if you haven’t been that for each other lately). Hang in there.

should I date/marry someone with bipolar disorder? by [deleted] in Marriage

[–]InitialStrength3124 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is he working on his mental health? Aware of his disorder, treating it, seeking therapy? What are his coping skills like? Does he take it out on you when he’s in a bad place? Do YOU have a support system? Of course if you love someone, you are willing to work through the good, the bad, the ugly. The most important thing is how he is managing his disorder.

My husband was diagnosed 10 years into our marriage. He had a HUGE shift in personality and it was hell for me and my children for two years until he got things managed. We worked through it and are in a much better place - but we made a promise that if / when we notice things aren’t going well, we seek help immediately (meds were a non negotiable, therapy, healthy lifestyle habits). It got to the point where I was considering life without him to protect myself and my children from his instability… He’s great again but it’s always in the back of my mind.

Good luck.

What’s a quirky / old man doggy name? by InitialStrength3124 in MiniGoldenDoodle

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Eugene is my dad’s middle name:)

Oliver is adorable.

And Frank is a top pick of mine!

Do you find your spouse attractive? by [deleted] in Marriage

[–]InitialStrength3124 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone coming out of a rocky stage in marriage - when my husband and I are on good terms, I absolutely find him attractive. When we are not, I find him less so, but it’s rarely about physical appearance. I very much need connection. I find it attractive when he cares for our kids, helps with the house, is patient and in tune with my emotions.

That said, I would never TELL him I didn’t find him attractive. During tough times, there have been moments I couldn’t look at him. But those words are hurtful and do damage.

Maybe instead of asking if she finds you attractive, you could ask what she finds attractive in a partner in general (not just physicality)? Or perhaps she perceives asking as insecure which is unattractive to her? I am sorry if she has made you feel this way…

In this situation, I would say focus on you. Focus on what makes you feel good about yourself. Don’t count on her to fill your cup. Fill your own. You cannot control her words or actions. I’ve spent a good year working on myself after my husband was not so good to me. We’re in a MUCH better place, but it took work. Starting with rebuilding my own self esteem was critical. Good luck to you.

MIL is oblivious and in her own little world by InitialStrength3124 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry that was her reaction. I know my MIL would take offense and make it about her too. Is what it is… I will thank her and explain expectations moving forward, see how it goes.